Farm milestone and a pony!

Dear Friends,

We finished pruning the blueberry bushes almost a month ago now. It’s the earliest I can remember and a personal best for me and my small team. Partly it’s a testament to a somewhat unusual winter, but it may also be a milestone for the farm.

Eight years ago, when I moved back to the farm all of our mature blueberry bushes had high crowns, about 10 inches of old wood at the base of each bush. This was impeding new, healthy growth. I found myself looking for answers and stumbled upon a grower’s blueberry manual on a bookshelf. I decided to seize the moment and call the author, Marvin Pritts, a professor at Cornell University. Amazingly, he picked the phone right up and came out to the farm a couple of weeks later. Marvin thought that the field looked healthy enough but confirmed that high crowns were going to be my challenge. He told me about battery powered shears that were powerful, lightweight, and ergonomic. We had been using the classic loppers and our team had broken more than a few that season. So, the following year I reduced the size of the crew and invested in some battery powered shears. Though it’s been a long haul, we’ve gradually increased the speed of pruning and reduced the total hours each year. The bushes have had a fresh start resulting in better quality and quantity of blueberries!

It’s hard to celebrate milestones. I’m always focused on what needs to be done next. But something tells me that I need to pause and savor this moment. I need to learn from our dog, Abby! I am so grateful for all the help I’ve had from my pruning crews over the years and the advice coming from Cornell.

Switching the subject completely, I’d like to introduce our newest addition to the farm. His name is NICK. He’s my new hobby. He is a well-trained, retired Amish PONY and he’s a peach. He now heads the entertainment and compost departments. Thank. You. Nick!

To wrap up, I want to say that I’m excited to be starting our farm newsletters. Over the last few years, I’ve leaned on social media but realize I can’t always depend on that to get the news out. Who knows what new algorithm will be introduced next?

Anyone can subscribe to the newsletter by going to our website and signing up to be the first to hear opening/closing dates for the blueberry season and what’s new on the farm. It’s also a great place to find out about planning your visit to the farm, new products, events, blueberry recipes, and our Guest House.

Happy almost spring berry friends!

Amy J Edwards

Find Out More